BootIt NG will do what you want for free. www.bootitng.com. Download the
executable, run it to create a bootable installation floppy or CD, boot to
that (after installing the drive), CANCEL the installation, then use
Partition Work to Copy your C:\ partition to the backup drive.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

"caroloyl" wrote in message
...
Having three C drive failures in just two and a half years requiring me to
reinstall and re-set up every program I use (which I'm doing now) makes me
wonder if it's possible to copy/backup my entire new C drive to a
comparable slave for switching out when this new primary master also goes
belly-up down the road.

I've replaced enough internal hard drives now to know how to switch them
and
their jumper pins so the mechanics aren't a problem. But will this
duplicating idea work to give me a fresh bootable functioning Windows et
al
with a minimum of trouble?

My thanks in advance for your experience and insight.

calamity carol